cover image Marie Antoinette, Phantom Queen

Marie Antoinette, Phantom Queen

Rodolphe and Annie Goetzinger. NBM, $17.99 (68p) ISBN 978-1-68112-029-4

This follow up to Goetzinger’s YALSA Award–winning Girl in Dior is written in collaboration with scripter Rodolphe (the Kenya and Namibia series). It’s as lavish in design as the predecessor, though the story, inspired by a true tale, is lightweight. In 1910, the ghost of Marie Antoinette contacts painter Maud, guiding and advising her in skillfully navigating the complicated social structure of the early 20th century. Goetzinger’s radiant art outshines the familiar territory of a celebrity ghost story. A quintessential model of modern-day French cartooning, her finely detailed couture, interior decoration, and landscapes complement but never overwhelm the foreground characters. The gorgeous coloring—muted, subtle pastels—add to the ethereal quality of the story (as during a séance depicted in shades of black and gray) or its social aspects (an opera scene contrasts gentlemen’s ubiquitous black-tie with brilliant emerald and scarlet gowns for the women). This is a clichéd and lightweight historical ghost story that’s elevated by the sublime artwork. (Aug.)